Do We Simply Not Care About Old People?
Judith Graham
The covid-19 pandemic would be a wake-up call for America, advocates for the elderly predicted: incontrovertible proof that the nation wasn’t doing enough to care for vulnerable older adults. The death toll was shocking, as were reports of chaos in nursing homes and seniors suffering from isolation, depression, untreated illness, and neglect. Around 900,000 older adults have died of covid-19 to date, accounting for 3 of every 4 Americans who have perished in the pandemic. But decisive actions that advocates had hoped for haven’t materialized. Today, most people — and government officials — appear to accept covid as a part of ordinary life. Many seniors at high risk aren’t getting antiviral therapies for covid, and most older adults in nursing homes aren’t getting updated vaccines. Efforts to strengthen care quality in nursing homes and assisted living centers have stalled amid debate over costs and the availability of staff. And only a small percentage of people are masking or taking other precautions in public despite a new wave of covid, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus infections hospitalizing and killing seniors. In the last week of 2023 and the first two weeks of 2024 alone, 4,810 people 65 and older lost their lives to covid — a group that would fill more than 10 large airliners — according to data provided by the CDC. But the alarm that would attend plane crashes is notably absent. (During the same period, the flu killed an additional 1,201 seniors, and RSV killed 126.) “It boggles my mind that there isn’t more outrage,” said Alice Bonner, 66, senior adviser for aging at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “I’m at the point where I want to say, ‘What the heck? Why aren’t people responding and doing more for older adults?’” It’s a good question. Do we simply not care? I put this big-picture question, which rarely gets asked amid debates over budgets and policies, to health care professionals, researchers, and policymakers who are older themselves and have spent many years working in the aging field. Here are some of their responses. The pandemic made things worse. Prejudice against older adults is nothing new, but “it feels more intense, more hostile” now than previously, said Karl Pillemer, 69, a professor of psychology and gerontology at Cornell University. “I think the pandemic helped reinforce images of older people as sick, frail, and isolated — as people who aren’t like the rest of us,” he said. “And human nature being what it is, we tend to like people who are similar to us and be less well disposed to ‘the others.’” “A lot of us felt isolated and threatened during the pandemic. It made us sit there and think, ‘What I really care about is protecting myself, my wife, my brother, my kids, and screw everybody else,’” said W. Andrew Achenbaum, 76, the author of nine books on aging and a professor emeritus at Texas Medical Center in Houston. In an environment of “us against them,” where everybody wants to blame somebody, Achenbaum continued, “who’s expendable? Older people who aren’t seen as productive, who consume resources believed to be in short supply. It’s really hard to give old people their due when you’re terrified about your own existence.” Although covid continues to circulate, disproportionately affecting older adults, “people now think the crisis is over, and we have a deep desire to return to normal,” said Edwin Walker, 67, who leads the Administration on Aging at the Department of Health and Human Services. He spoke as an individual, not a government representative. The upshot is “we didn’t learn the lessons we should have,” and the ageism that surfaced during the pandemic hasn’t abated, he observed. Ageism is pervasive. “Everyone loves their own parents. But as a society, we don’t value older adults or the people who care for them,” said Robert Kramer, 74, co-founder and strategic adviser at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care. Kramer thinks boomers are reaping what they have sown. “We have chased youth and glorified youth. When you spend billions of dollars trying to stay young, look young, act young, you build in an automatic fear and prejudice of the opposite.” Combine the fear of diminishment, decline, and death that can accompany growing older with the trauma and fear that arose during the pandemic, and “I think covid has pushed us back in whatever progress we were making in addressing the needs of our rapidly aging society. It has further stigmatized aging,” said John Rowe, 79, professor of health policy and aging at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “The message to older adults is: ‘Your time has passed, give up your seat at the table, stop consuming resources, fall in line,’” said Anne Montgomery, 65, a health policy expert at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. She believes, however, that baby boomers can “rewrite and flip that script if we want to and if we work to change systems that embody the values of a deeply ageist society.” Integration, not separation, is needed. The best way to overcome stigma is “to get to know the people you are stigmatizing,” said G. Allen Power, 70, a geriatrician and the chair in aging and dementia innovation at the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging in Canada. “But we separate ourselves from older people so we don’t have to think about our own aging and our own mortality.” The solution: “We have to find ways to better integrate older adults in the community as opposed to moving them to campuses where they are apart from the rest of us,” Power said. “We need to stop seeing older people only through the lens of what services they might need and think instead of all they have to offer society.” That point is a core precept of the National Academy of Medicine’s 2022 report Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity. Older people are a “natural resource” who “make substantial contributions to their families and communities,” the report’s authors write in introducing their findings. Those contributions include financial support to families, caregiving assistance, volunteering, and ongoing participation in the workforce, among other things. “When older people thrive, all people thrive,” the report concludes. Future generations will get their turn. That’s a message Kramer conveys in classes he teaches at the University of Southern California, Cornell, and other institutions. “You have far more at stake in changing the way we approach aging than I do,” he tells his students. “You are far more likely, statistically, to live past 100 than I am. If you don’t change society’s attitudes about aging, you will be condemned to lead the last third of your life in social, economic, and cultural irrelevance.” As for himself and the baby boom generation, Kramer thinks it’s “too late” to effect the meaningful changes he hopes the future will bring. “I suspect things for people in my generation could get a lot worse in the years ahead,” Pillemer said. “People are greatly underestimating what the cost of caring for the older population is going to be over the next 10 to 20 years, and I think that’s going to cause increased conflict.” We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit kffhealthnews.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.Subscribe to KFF Health News' free Morning Briefing. Republished with Permission from KFFHealthNews.org
0 Comments
Retirees may be looking for low-stress work opportunities that allow them to continue earning money, use their skills and experience, and stay engaged and active. Besides the benefit of an active income to supplement one's savings, it can be a valuable source of well-being and relevance. The author used OpenAI to augment a few ideas for low-stress work opportunities for retirees:
AuthorHercules is sharing his passion for the sustained relevance of individuals and organizations. Most people do their best to save money for retirement, however, investing in one’s social environment may be as important as it is a critical aspect of quality of life, especially in the later stages of life. The value of friends and family for aging individuals is immeasurable. As people grow older, they may find themselves facing a variety of physical and emotional challenges. Having a strong support system in the form of friends and family can provide them with the love, care, and companionship they need to navigate these challenges and maintain a sense of well-being. One of the most important ways in which friends and family can support aging individuals is by providing them with a sense of belonging. As people age, they may find themselves becoming increasingly isolated, either due to physical limitations or the loss of loved ones. Having friends and family members to spend time with and share experiences with can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of connection to the world around them. In addition to providing emotional support, friends and family can also play an important role in helping aging individuals to maintain their physical health. They can help with daily tasks, such as shopping and cooking, and can also serve as a sounding board for questions and concerns about health and wellness. Another important way in which friends and family can support aging individuals is by providing them with a sense of purpose. Many older adults may find themselves facing retirement and the loss of their professional identity. Having friends and family members to share interests and activities with can help to provide a sense of purpose and keep older adults engaged and active. In conclusion, friends and family are an invaluable resource for aging individuals. They provide love, care, companionship, and a sense of belonging that can help older adults to navigate the challenges of aging and maintain a sense of well-being. It is important for aging individuals to nurture and maintain these relationships, as well as to seek out new connections, in order to ensure that they have a strong support system throughout their later years. AuthorHercules is sharing his passion for sustained relevance of individuals and organizations. Dementia, a progressive decline in cognitive function, can have a profound impact on the lives of grandchildren whose grandparents have the condition. This is a complex and challenging situation that can affect the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren in a variety of ways. One of the most significant impacts of dementia on grandchildren is the loss of the ability to communicate and connect with their grandparents. As the condition progresses, grandparents with dementia may have difficulty remembering important details about their grandchildren's lives, such as their names, ages, and interests. This can make it difficult for grandchildren to have meaningful conversations with their grandparents and can lead to feelings of sadness and frustration. Another impact of dementia on grandchildren is the loss of shared experiences and activities. Grandparents with dementia may be unable to participate in activities that they previously enjoyed, such as cooking, gardening, or playing games. This can make it difficult for grandchildren to have fun with their grandparents and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Dementia can also lead to a loss of trust and security for grandchildren. They may see their grandparents behave in ways that are out of character, such as becoming agitated or confused, which can be confusing and unsettling for them. Moreover, they may see their grandparents being taken care of by strangers and this can be a source of fear and insecurity for them. Furthermore, the emotional and physical toll of caring for a grandparent with dementia can also take a toll on the emotional well-being of the grandchildren. They may feel guilty or helpless as they witness the changes in their grandparents and they may also feel a sense of loss as they see their grandparents slipping away. In conclusion, dementia can have a significant impact on the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. It can lead to a loss of communication, shared experiences, trust, and security. It is important for families to understand and acknowledge the challenges that come with dementia, and to seek support and guidance in coping with the condition. It is also essential to maintain open communication with the grandchildren and provide them with the support and understanding they need to navigate this difficult time. The good news is that a little education can lead to a significant improvement in your relationship with your parents and grandparents and help to redefine and maintain this special bond to loved ones. AuthorHercules is sharing his passion for sustained relevance for individuals and organizations. Ageism is the discrimination or prejudice against people based on their age. It can take many forms, including negative stereotypes and attitudes, discrimination in the workplace, and lack of access to healthcare and other services. Ageism can have a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of older adults, and it is a serious social problem. A critical element, often underplayed, is that of self-imposed ageism. When one feels diminished and less worth than younger generations, it not only affects your well-being, it also leads to others treating you as a less capable and relevant being. One of the dangers of ageism is that it can lead to social isolation and loneliness among older adults. When older adults are viewed as a burden or as fewer valuable members of society, they may be excluded from social and community activities, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health and can increase the risk of depression and other mental health conditions. Another danger of ageism is that it can lead to discrimination in the workplace. Older adults may be passed over for promotions or new job opportunities or may be forced to retire early. This can lead to financial insecurity and a loss of purpose and identity. Ageism can also lead to poor healthcare for older adults. Negative stereotypes about aging can lead to healthcare providers underestimating the needs of older adults or not taking their complaints seriously, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Ageism can also affect the ability of older adults to access the services they need, such as housing, transportation, and social services. Negative stereotypes and attitudes can lead to older adults being denied services or having to accept lower quality services. Overall, ageism is a serious social problem that can have a significant impact on the well-being and quality of life of older adults. It is important to be aware of the dangers of ageism and to work to reduce discrimination and prejudice against older adults. This can be done through education and awareness campaigns, policies and legislation that protect the rights of older adults, and by challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes. AuthorHercules is sharing his passion for sustained relevance of individuals and organizations. Retirement can be a time of great change and uncertainty for many people, as they adjust to a new phase of life and navigate the transition from working to non-working. However, it is also an opportunity for retirees to stay relevant and useful by pursuing new interests, learning new skills, and contributing to their communities in meaningful ways. One of the best ways for retirees to stay relevant and useful is by volunteering. This can take many forms, from working with local nonprofits or schools, to serving as a mentor or tutor for young people, to helping out with community events or projects. Volunteering allows retirees to give back to their communities, share their skills and knowledge, and stay connected with others. Another way for retirees to stay relevant and useful is by continuing to learn and grow. Many retirees find that they have more time to pursue new interests and hobbies, and they can take advantage of this by signing up for classes or workshops, reading books, or pursuing other forms of self-education. This can help them to stay mentally sharp, improve their physical health, and find new passions and purpose in life. One of the best ways to learn Is to teach - as per village life In the past, elders had a special role as storytellers as one of the most effective ways to share knowledge with children. Assuming teaching and other educational roles can provide a strong sense of worth and contentment. Additionally, retirees can also stay relevant and useful by starting their own business or working as a consultant. They can share their expertise, skills, and experience with others and create new opportunities for themselves and others. Moreover, this can provide them with a sense of purpose and give them the opportunity to continue to make an impact. Lastly, retirees can also stay relevant and useful by staying socially active and connected. They can join clubs, groups, and organizations that align with their interests, and they can continue to build and maintain social networks. This can provide them with a sense of community, help them to make new friends, and keep them engaged in the world around them. In conclusion, retirement can be a time of great change and uncertainty, but it is also an opportunity for retirees to stay relevant and useful. They can pursue new interests, learning new skills, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. By staying active, learning, working, and socializing, retirees can continue to make a difference in the world, find purpose and fulfillment, and live a fulfilling life. AuthorHercules is sharing his passion for sustained relevance of individuals and organizations. Aging is a natural process that brings with it a host of challenges and opportunities. In this article we discuss some of the factors that are to be considered and managed as much as possible to enjoy the golden years. As people grow older, they may find themselves facing a variety of physical, emotional, and social challenges that can affect their quality of life. It's important to understand these challenges and to find ways to address them in order to live a healthy and fulfilling life as we age. One of the main challenges of aging is physical decline. As people age, their bodies may become more susceptible to disease and injury. They may experience chronic pain, mobility issues, and an increased risk of falls. They may also experience a decline in vision and hearing, making it more difficult to navigate the world around them. Additionally, older adults may also experience a decline in cognitive function, which can affect their ability to make decisions and remember things. Another challenge of aging is emotional and psychological well-being. As people age, they may experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. They may also experience feelings of loss and grief related to the death of loved ones and the loss of independence. Furthermore, older adults may also experience feelings of anxiety and fear related to the future, and they may worry about their ability to care for themselves as they age. Social isolation is also a major challenge of aging. As people age, they may find themselves becoming more isolated due to physical limitations or the loss of loved ones. They may also experience a decline in social support as friends and family members become less available. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of connection to the world around them. Furthermore, financial challenges can also become a concern as people age. Many older adults may find themselves on a fixed income and may struggle to make ends meet. They may also struggle with the costs of healthcare and long-term care. This is becoming more prevalent due to people living longer than before, and not necessarily as healthy elders. In conclusion, aging brings with it a host of challenges, including physical decline, emotional and psychological well-being, social isolation, and financial challenges. It's important for older adults to understand these challenges and to seek out support and resources to help them navigate them. This can include seeking out healthcare and social services, building a strong network of friends and family, and staying engaged with their communities. Additionally, it's important for society to recognize the challenges of aging and to provide older adults with the support and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. AuthorHercules has a passion for sustained relevance for organizations and individuals. As the world's population ages, it is becoming increasingly common for societies to have more people over the age of 60 than people under the age of 20. This demographic shift has a few implications that are important to consider, both for older adults and for society as a whole. One of the main implications of having more people over the age of 60 than people under the age of 20 is the potential for increased healthcare costs. As people age, they are more likely to experience chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, which can be costly to treat and manage. This can put a strain on healthcare systems and on the finances of older adults, who may struggle to afford the care they need. Another implication of this demographic shift is the potential for increased strain on social welfare programs. As older adults make up a greater proportion of the population, there may be more demand for government-funded retirement programs, such as social security and pension plans, which can put a strain on government finances. Furthermore, there may be more demand for long-term care and support services, which can also put a strain on government finances. Moreover, having more people over the age of 60 than people under the age of 20 can also have implications for the workforce. Older adults may continue working longer, which can lead to a shortage of workers in certain industries and can also lead to increased competition for jobs among older adults. Additionally, older adults may also experience discrimination in the workplace, which can limit their opportunities for employment. This demographic shift also has implications for family dynamics. As people live longer, older adults may find themselves becoming caregivers for their own aging parents, which can be emotionally and financially taxing. Furthermore, older adults may also find themselves becoming primary caregivers for their grandchildren, which can also be emotionally and financially taxing. In conclusion, having more people over the age of 60 than people under the age of 20 has several implications that are important to consider. The increase in healthcare costs, strain on social welfare programs, implications for the workforce, and implications for family dynamics are some of the most significant implications of this demographic shift. It is important for society to recognize and address these implications, in order to ensure that older adults can live healthy and fulfilling lives as they age. AuthorHercules is sharing a passion for organizations and individuals to sustain their relevance. The societal value of having older adults in the workforce is significant. As the population ages, the number of older adults in the workforce is increasing, and their contributions are becoming increasingly important. First and foremost, older adults bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the workforce. They have spent decades honing their skills and have a deep understanding of their industry and profession. This experience can be invaluable to organizations, as it can help them to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. In addition, older adults often have a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. They understand the importance of showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and taking their work seriously. This can be a valuable asset to organizations, as it can help to create a culture of reliability and accountability. Many elders are becoming aware of their mortality and wish to leave a legacy. This can be a strong motivator to contribute something meaningful and feel relevant. Moreover, having older adults in the workforce can also help to promote diversity and inclusivity. Age diversity in the workplace brings different perspectives and ideas, which can lead to more creative and innovative solutions to problems. Additionally, older adults can serve as role models for younger employees, showing them that it's never too late to learn new skills or pursue new opportunities. Furthermore, keeping older adults in the workforce can also help to reduce the strain on government-funded retirement programs and social security. Many older adults are choosing to continue working in order to supplement their retirement income and maintain a sense of purpose. In conclusion, having older adults in the workforce is of great value to society. They bring a wealth of experience, a strong work ethic, and a diverse perspective to the table. Organizations and society as a whole can benefit from their contributions, and it is important to create an inclusive and age-diverse workplace to harness the potential of older workers. AuthorHercules is sharing a passion for organizations and individuals to sustain their relevance. While the world is holding its breath, it is time for a SIGH… My trip to Venice a few years ago remains one of my fondest memories. The city is a mix of beautiful buildings and meandering walkways, calming waterways, an impressive history which goes back over 1200 years, great food and wine and is engaged in a never-ending balancing act with nature in order to stay above water. One of my personal highlights is the Bridge of Sighs. It derives its English name from the 19th century suggestion that prisoners used to sigh as they walked from the Doge’s palace to the prisons across the enclosed walkway over the canal. My free interpretation of these sighs is that they were a deep reflection on life brought about by a dramatic change. My sister used the word S.I.G.H. as an effective acronym for her child as a reset button at the end of the day and to manage anxiety. I have successfully used the simple process on myself and close friends and family and believe it may be of value to you, especially in these stressful and uncertain times. Much of our daily life is based on rituals and it is not often that we change our routines or add new ones to enhance our quality of life. Each one of us has our own end of day moment, when we feel the day has been concluded and it is time to retire to the night as a break before the new day. How good that break is, often depends on our state of mind before ending the day. I invite you to try the following short steps to deliberately conclude the day and prepare yourself for a fresh start the next morning. Find a quiet and safe place in which to reflect. Imagine seeing yourself from another room, through a window, or what you might look like if you were on TV. A favorite image of mine is to visualize seeing myself on a bridge watching the water below flow by as the constant stream of all that happens. Now take a really deep breath, and let it out a long sigh … then think about four aspects of your day using the word S.I.G.H. as an acronym: What was a Success, what was an Improvement opportunity, what can I be Grateful for and what can I Hope for tomorrow and the future. Take another deep breath and let out a cleansing S.I.G.H.! SUCCESS: Think of anything that you enjoyed, that you managed or did well and would gladly do again. Something either small or big - a nice chocolate or conversation with a friend, completing something that has been overdue, whatever you deemed to have been a worthwhile experience during your day. On the really stressful days when it is hard to remember anything positive, it may help to focus on the smallest successes. IMPROVEMENT Opportunity: What would you have done differently if you had a chance to do it over again: Something you acted on, said or perhaps did not do when you had the opportunity? What would you have changed, if you could, to have had a greater impact on yourself and others? Most importantly, with what you know now, how would acting differently have changed how you feel? GRATEFUL: What do you have, or did you receive that you either did not have to work for, or is the result of long-term choices such as lifestyle and habits, something you may have that is special and a privilege that you often forget about? This does not have to be specific to the day and is a great chance to remember things you take for granted - think, for example of physical and mental health, enough food, a place to live, family, friends, etc. HOPE: What can I hope for tomorrow, the next week, further along. Hope is not an expectation, as expectations are based on predictability. We are certainly currently living in a heightened emotional state of consternation and randomness. This version of hope focuses on how and what you want to be tomorrow, whether things change or not. Keep it simple and achievable as a basis for growth and development. Take a deep breath and let out another cleansing SIGH… You may notice that the first 2 reflections (“Success” and “Improve”) focus on the specific day’s events and more immediate actions, while the last 2 (“Grateful” and “Hope”) are guiding elements for managing whatever comes your way. It is not uncommon for the “Grateful” and “Hope” thoughts to remain similar each day or over a longer period. This end of day exercise is designed to be a simple process to relieve stress and reset your mind for the next day, so do not overthink it. It is even more powerful when you do it together with your loved ones in the form of a short story, as this creates the space for their minds to walk through the experience. About the Author: Hercules Bothma is a Certified Senior Advisor to promote quality living and care options, and sustained relevance for elders. In addition to his drive for advocating for senior relevance in society, he has a passion for appreciating complexity and making tough decisions.
|
AuthorHercules Bothma and Selected Republished Articles Archives
February 2024
Categories |